SLINGSHOT IS SELECTED AS THE OFFICIAL KITE FOR THE ATLANTIC KITE CHALLENGE

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On November 20th six international kiteboarders will attempt the first ever Atlantic Ocean kite crossing. Their goal is to ride non-stop from René Egli, Fuertaventura (Canary Islands) and arrive at the Blue Haven Resort in the Turks and Caicos Islands (Caribbean). Each member of the team will be taking two-hour turns kitesurfing day and night, 24 hours a day to complete this 3,750 mile long journey in under three weeks. The “Enable Passion” Atlantic Crossing will be the longest ‘downwinder’ kite ride ever and will be supported by a 50-foot catamaran to ensure the riders safety and comfort.

“The idea for the Atlantic Kite Challenge came about from our passion for kitesurfing and business ventures. One day we felt inspired to combine the two,” explains one of the “Enable Passion” organizer’s Allard Janssen. "We wanted to find out whether something that initially looked so impossible could be achieved with the right motivation and dedication. The idea slowly took form and resulted in a team of committed people. All those involved are contributing in their own way to achieve this joint goal.”

Allard Janssen and his crew knew that not only did they have to train deliberately to build up the endurance required to pull off a challenge of this magnitude, having reliable equipment was vital to safely cross the Atlantic as well. In order to minimize any risk of gear failure they've chosen Slingshot as their kite brand of choice. This will enable the team to trust the performance and durability in everything they fly.

"Slingshot is known for making strong and reliable products. They also have a very wide range of kites and boards that are crucial for this crossing. We will have six riders that come from different backgrounds and riding styles, so for us to be able to kite 24 hours a day for up to three weeks we needed to make sure that each one of the riders had the right board and the right size kite for all conditions. Slingshot does not just enable us to cross – they will also make it fun doing it.” Says the “Enable Passion” organizer Filippo Humbar.

The “Enable Passion” Atlantic Crossing kite of choice is the Slingshot Rally. Here is what Mystic Founder and member of the “Enable Passion” Atlantic Crossing Max Blom Jr. has to say about the Rally. “I have been using the Rally kite for a few years now and I know that this kite design is perfect for a crossing like this. The Rally offers an amazing range and it’s very easy to use. The Rally is also extremely versatile and that’s essential for our crossing, especially if we will be riding twin-tips as well as surfboards.

Besides the products, I have been working with Slingshot for many years and they are the right group of people to have behind this project. They are extremely supportive and push the sport every day. This project is a new challenge which will give kiteboarding a new direction that Slingshot will be a part of.

For Kiteboards, the “Enable Passion” Atlantic Crossing team will be using the Slingshot Celeritas and Tyrant surfboards as well as the Misfit Twin-Tip. And, for days under 8 kts, they will be using the 17 meter Turbine kite.

The adventure starts in less than two weeks and the “Enable Passion” Atlantic Crossing is already in full preparation mode. For the last few weeks they have been training hard for the challenges they are about to face. We wish them safe travels and good luck.

About “Enable Passion”
The Enable Passion foundation is a non-profit that strives to inspire people in realizing their passions by organizing and carrying out extraordinary and pioneering projects. Foundation “Enable Passion” launches its first project: the HTC Atlantic Kite Challenge.

About "Slingshot"
Over the last 13 years the Slingshot crew has dedicated endless time and effort, channeling their passion for watersports to people throughout the world. Established in 1999, Slingshot Sports LLC has worked diligently to establish a solid reputation in the kiteboarding, wakeboarding and standup paddleboarding market by manufacturing high-quality products, setting innovative construction and design standards, and dressing it all up with an image that is unique, edgy and young.

I'll be visiting the Turks and Caicos early in December thru the 13th and hoping they arrive while I'm there. Would be fun to ride out and meet them as they finish. Anyone else traveling to TCI in December?